Latest News
The latest news on fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome is posted below in support of Fibromyalgia Network's mission to educate patients and the media with ad-free reporting.
Contact: Kristin Thorson, Editor • Phone:
(800) 853-2929
E-mail: editor@fmnetnews.com • Website: www.fmnetnews.com
Energy Makers Eroding in Fibromyalgia - February 26, 2010
Six years ago, researchers showed that the muscles of fibromyalgia patients had a substantial drop in the number of mitochondria, the part of the cell known for its energy-producing abilities.
Even the shape of the muscle mitochondria were noted to be irregular in individuals with fibromyalgia compared to age-matched healthy control subjects. As impressive as these findings were, they remained unexplained until biochemists Placido Navas, Ph.D., and Jose A Sanchez Alcazar, Ph.D., began exploring an enzyme needed by the mitochondria: Co-Enzyme-Q10 (CoQ10). Read the complete article.
A Little Omega-3 Could Reduce Your Pain and Fatigue - January 29, 2010
Omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplements can benefit your joints and cardiovascular system, but what about the pain of fibromyalgia? Read the complete article.
Could Fibro Make Arthritis Worse? - December 31, 2009
Have you ever considered if having fibromyalgia puts you at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis? Read the complete article.
Effective Treatment Leads to Better Brain Function - November 20, 2009
Three exceptional reports that illuminate what is happening in the brains of people with fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
XMRV Virus Linked to CFS - October 29, 2009
A report of a retroviral link to chronic fatigue syndrome can be exciting and alarming news. Read the complete article.
Creatine Supplementation Shows Promise - September 30, 2009
Studies show that supplementing 5 grams a day of creatine can improve cognitive function and build muscle strength, yet it's relatively free of side effects. Read the complete article.
Researchers Use Exercise to Illuminate How You Feel - August 27, 2009
During and after exertion is when CFS and fibromyalgia patients say they feel the worst, so that's where researchers are looking to generate biomarkers. Read the complete article.
GI Symptoms & Novel Therapy - July 30, 2009
If acid reflux is burning you up at night, an old and inexpensive medication may be just what the doctor ordered. Read the complete article.
Imaging the Effects of Savella - June 30, 2009
The pain inhibitory system is the suspected area where Savella (milnacipran) works to reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Even Mild Exercise Can Reduce Pain - May 29, 2009
You might not have to work as hard as you think to benefit from an exercise program. Read the complete article.
Naltrexone Offers Novel Approach to Pain Relief - April 29, 2009
A preliminary trial using low doses of this drug is showing reduced pain in fibromyalgia patients. Read the complete article.
No Power to Your Punch? - March 31, 2009
A biochemist in Spain has identified an enzyme abnormality that might shed light on why you feel so drained of energy. Read the complete article.
Chronic Opioid Therapy Guidelines Offer Direction for Physicians -
February 27, 2009
While patients are rightfully concerned about not receiving adequate pain relief, physicians harbor fears about drug abuse, safety issues, and government oversight. Read the complete article.
Calling the Kettle Black ... editorial comment - February 27, 2009
Controversy sells, and that was what the Associated Press banked on as it ran an article that implied the drug industry fabricated fibromyalgia. But the article makes no sense. Read the complete article.
Savella (milnacipran) FDA-Approved for Fibro - January 29, 2009
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Jan. 14, approved Savella as the first drug specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia ... and not just the pain. Read the complete article.
Defend Yourself with a Good Night's Sleep - December 30, 2008
Persistent pain and disturbed sleep create a tremendous stress on the body that could potentially drag down a person's immune system. Read the complete article.
Hypnosis or the Power of Suggestion - November 24, 2008
Hypnosis combined with suggestion can be a powerful tool against pain. Read the complete article.
Get Ahead of the Wintertime Blues - October 31, 2008
Don't dread the wintertime blues. Get a jump start in heading off the symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Read the complete article.
Placebo Treatments: Misleading and Potentially Harmful - October 31, 2008
Prescribing placebos to fibromyalgia patients is an acceptable practice to half of the U.S. internists and rheumatologists who responded to a recent survey. Read the complete article.
Reduced Hippocampal Function in Fibromyalgia - September 30, 2008
An American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association (AFSA) funded study brings science closer to understanding what is happening in the brains of fibromyalgia patients. Read the complete article.
Spreading of Pain: Women vs. Men - August 28, 2008
While healthy women have a lower pain threshold than healthy men, this does not explain why more than twice as many women develop fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Fibro Patients Challenged when Processing Words and Colors - July 31, 2008
A simple screening test for memory and concentration difficulties may have falsely labeled you as "normal." Read the complete article.
FDA Approves Second Drug to Treat Fibromyalgia - June 27, 2008
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Cymbalta (duloxetine) on June 16 for treating fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Are You Becoming Cold-Sensitive? - May 30, 2008
The quest for humans to escape cold weather during their retirement years may have a physiological basis. Read the complete article.
Diagnosing FM Saves Money - March 27, 2008
This study looks at why the medical costs per year of fibromyalgia patients dropped after being diagnosed. Read the complete article.
Novel Way to Aid Sleep, Relieve Anxiety in Fibromyalgia - February 26, 2008
Growth hormone secretion from the brain's hypothalamus-pituitary system is substantially low in one-third of fibromyalgia patients. Read the complete article.
Doctors Respond to New York Times Article - January 22, 2008
NY Times article questions validity of fibromyalgia and prompts response from medical community. Read the complete article.
Walking, Strengthening Exercises, or Education - November 27, 2007
You may be wondering: "What form of exercise is best and how do I get started?" Read the complete article.
Heat Tones Down Central Nervous System Pain - October 31, 2007
Can the application of heat realistically tone down the central nervous system pain that is the hallmark of fibromyalgia? Read the complete article.
Improving Doctor-Patient Relationships - September 28, 2007
This clinical trial by German doctors demonstrates how doctor-patient relationships can improve with a little education. Read the complete article.
Can Physician Attitudes Influence Symptoms? - August 28, 2007
Fibromyalgia patients who believe their doctors are serious about treating their symptoms may improve both physically and psychologically. Read the complete article.
Researchers Study Lyrica/Seroquel Combo Therapy - July 31, 2007
Being able to use one medication to treat fibromyalgia would be ideal, but may be unrealistic. Read the complete article.
FDA Approves First Drug for Treating Fibromyalgia - June 21, 2007
The FDA approved Lyrica (pregabalin) as the first drug with an indicated use for people with fibromyalgia. Read the complete article.
Is Caffeine Disrupting Your Sleep? - May 29, 2007
Does it really matter if you have just a little bit of caffeine-containing chocolate dessert before you go to bed at night? Read the complete article.
IACFS Presents Award to Kristin Thorson - May 14, 2007
IACFS recognizes Fibromyalgia Network and American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association founder for substantial contributions. Read the complete article.
Study Links Fibromyalgia to Metabolic Disease - April 12, 2007
Patients with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome may be at greater risk for metabolic disease, new research shows. Read the complete article.
Board Changes Name of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - March 15, 2007
Chronic fatigue syndrome patients have fought for ten years to get the name of their condition changed. Read the complete article.
